Hi Readers,
First and foremost, I would like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, and anyone taking on that role. This is the second part of my miniseries on blindness and my practice. Today, I want to discuss three main points where my being a person who is blind intersect within my practice in order for you to gain a more clear understanding of how they relate.
Adaptation
Regardless of what circumstances we all find ourselves in we all require to make adaptations in some form. A good example is what the current situation has caused us as a society when interacting with one another on a personal, and public level. Furthermore, other more direct correlations are the use of masks, social distancing, in addition to anything else we may have to do. In the context of my own life being someone who is blind I have always required to adapt in some way. From utilizing braille in order to learn literacy, using screen reading software which allows me to hear what is on screen, and using a cane. In the context of my practice adaptation has taken a different form. Interpreting visual imagery may require more creativity in terms of using someone who is sighted to assist in the task or taking the concept I am learning and creating my own personal images. Moreover, other adaptations I have used are creating a system for keeping magickal items in specific places so I can find them, using other items for divination instead of traditional ones like tarot cards. Although, that may change at some point. Lastly, the biggest adaptation I have to make is the location and acquiring of books. I mainly read books electronically as braille is time consuming to produce in hardcopy. Also, where to find older books that may be out of print or books that I would like to see may be hard to come by. However, this does depend on where you look, I have good books on sacred texts but that can only go so far. This list could be further expanded on, but these are just some of the adaptations I need to make in my practice.
Identification
In terms of identifying things for my practice I usually do not have many issues. However, identifying plants, herbs, and other hard to touch items can be a challenge. I do not have enough vision to see plants and herbs in detail. This being said I can tell some by smell, texture, and shape. However, it does depend on the herb. Also, some crystals can not be determined by shape, or texture but they can be my energy, size, physical weight, and If they are raw they have a different texture altogether. Lastly, identifying pictures of different symbols are a challenge but not impossible. For instance, I found learning how to create or draw a banishing pentagram to be a challenge. I adapted to this by getting a description along with using a pentagram necklace that I own as an example. Identifications of herbs, crystals, and all the items in between can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. I just must use what I have around me in addition to being resourceful.
Modification
I am used to making accommodations or modifications to something in my life. For example, using a braille notetaker to write or read is one of them. Also, using a tripod to see the camera better is something I am doing but that does not extend to just being a person who is blind. In terms of my practice making modifications is not always something I have to do; however, I have done to an extent. For example, I store specific crystals in specific places for reference and by purpose. This is so I do not mix them up. Also, keeping track of what spells I cast requires me to write using some kind of device. I do not have enough vision to handwrite so If the power goes out, I need to find another way such as using old items to write in braille. Also, locating books and reading are a whole other subject. To keep it brief I will say that I require using various resources to find what I can on the subject of Witchcraft and Paganism. Audiobooks though I do not prefer them can be a challenge for many blind Pagans. However, this is started to change. Another modification that is also an adaptation is transportation. This applies to going to festivals, meetups, and new shops. I take public transit which may not always be reliable. So, I must be resourceful with what I have along with what I have around me. Again, this is just my own personal experience.
In doing all these adaptations, identifications, and modifications I am still able to have a meaningful, fulfilling, Solitary practice. Regardless, of my being blind I am still able to have a practice that means something I just must be creative like anything else.
If you have another disability or you are blind or visually impaired, what is your practice like? What do you have to adapt or modify?
I discuss more in the video below:
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Many Blessings!!